Greeting friends without scaring them away!

[chrissie2]

Hi there I have a fantastic, loving greyhound, Raj, who we were lucky enough to have come live with us in February this year. We've had quite a few issues, but he's really settling down well. The problem we have now really is his, shall we say, exhuberance when anyone comes to our home. It's very hard to calm him down and he licks and kisses and jumps around. He always click-clacks and gooses peoples bottoms even though we've managed to stop him doing it to us, he gets so carried away with visitors he forgets he's not supposed to do it. We recently had a friend and her 10 year old son to see us and the boy was so looking forward to seeing him, but I'm not sure he'll come back after the very excitable welcome he got!

Raj is very obedient and obeys basic commands, but his greetings are a bit too much for everyone and last a little too long. Anyone had this issue and managed to overcome it?
Thanks
Chris

[kamkay]

Jet used to bounce up at visitors - we told everyone who came into the house to completely ignore him when they first arrived and if he did jump up to turn away from him. It took a while but he now has got the message that he is allowed to come and meet and greet, but has to do it calmly. Good luck !

[chrissie2]

Thanks so much, will try that and your greyhound avataar is very much like Raj, beautiful.
Chris

[Melanie]

I'd also try having him on a lead so you can be more in control. Ask people to ignore him and when he's calm he can interact

[jodav]

A lead or a child safety gate is a good idea to limit how much contact he can have with guests when they first come in or, as you say he obeys basic commands, teach some impluse control at the door with a sit/stay followed by a treat-filled toy to give Raj a distraction. Guests shouldn't give him any attention until his energy level goes down. A very bouncy dog can be very off-putting for any visitor especially a young child. Hope it improves for you.

Jo x

[loopylou]

Hi I have the same problem with the newest member of our pack Barkley a Lurcher, also one of my Greyhounds Tia is excitable when people visit. Barkley jumps around, he jumps to the top of the door on all four feet and will grab and mouth in excitement. Firstly we have a gate between the kitchen and the hallway and front door. I let the visitors in which in itself can be a challenge as he will try and barge past me to get to the door. Once they are in I ask them to wait behind the gate while i get the dog treats out and as if by magic all five of the dogs surround me while the visitor sits down at the table. Once they are seated the dogs all loose interest and after a quick sniff will settle nicely. If we have workmen in I have Barkley on lead until they have finished coming in and out with their kit, once he has settled he is allowed off lead to go and say ''hello'' once he has done that he settles down apart from stealing their tools. ;D ;D Although it's not ideal I hope this helps a bit , Barkley does know some commands but once the door knocks excitement over takes him and he forgets everything. ;D Good luck, Raj sounds a fab dog.

[julies]

And as well as all the great advice you can try clicker training so you click and treat him only when all his feet are on the floor .. some good books and CDs around about clicker training .. and you can ring the doorbell every time any of the family come in so he gets used to people coming in after the bells rung- you ignore him, fold arms and keep turning your back to him (see the Kennel Clubs Safe and Sound) and only give him attention when he's quiet ...all the family need to do this as well so he's calm with everyone

Oh and I'd check out his food to make sure that's not hyping him up (Lucy gets hyper on beef and Marrowbone snacks) so less than 20% protein is a good idea and no bright colours either, mine get a good hour and a half exercise most days so (especially when you're expecting visitors) I'd take him for a good hour walk before .. and if he's very bouncy normally then increase his exercise

J xx

[chrissie2]

Thanks everyone for excellent tips on calming my hound when visitors arrive! I'm late answering as I've been away, but back on to the old Raji training now !!